10 Clever Ways To Repurpose Extra Wrapping Paper Around Your Home

Each year, the holiday tradition of gift-giving generates an estimated 2.3 million pounds of wrapping paper waste in the United States alone, according to Earth911. And the problem is that much of that pretty wrapping paper isn't actually paper at all. It is often paper combined with plastic to make it harder-wearing. Even when it is paper, coatings, foil effects, glitter, and plastic linings can make it nonrecyclable. That is where repurposing the wrapping paper comes in. Luckily, there are many ways to do so. From shredding wrapping paper for packing to crafting custom confetti to covering schoolbooks to adding bursts of color to shelves and drawers, the list just goes on.

All you need is a bit of time and some effort, and you can transform that seasonal waste into a source of artistic inspiration for your home. However, if you still want to throw that extra wrapping paper out, just make sure to do a scrunch test first. It is a quick way to tell if you can put it in recyclable waste or not. All you have to do is scrunch the wrapping paper with your hands into a ball. If it keeps its shape, put it in your recycling bin; if it doesn't, throw it in the trash.

Any time a box or basket has extra space, the items inside are likely to move around and could break. That is where shredded wrapping paper can help. Not only does shredded paper cushion and protect items, but it also adds a nice visual touch to boxes. All you have to do is put that extra wrapping paper into a paper shredder, and it will get the job done for you. Just make sure to wrap its blades in aluminum foil after each use to help keep your paper shredder sharp.

Most parties wouldn't feel right without confetti. Be it a birthday party or a baby shower, you need confetti to add color, fun, and that extra spark. But why spend money buying confetti when you can make your own with that leftover wrapping paper at home? After all, parties can get expensive fast. All you need is some wrapping paper and a hole puncher. Then just punch the paper into small pieces, combine them with glitter, sequins, or beads in a container, mix thoroughly, and your custom confetti is ready to go.

For kids, books can often feel boring at first glance. But add a bright, fun cover to them, and they are much more likely to grab it, maybe even read it. And one clever way you can do this is with shiny, glittery wrapping paper. Just take a wrapping paper slightly larger than your book and cut it to size. Then score and fold the edges into pockets, slip the book in, and fold the wrapping paper around it. Then, just smooth all folds for a perfect, tidy finish, and it is done.

Drawers and shelves often come in plain, utilitarian finishes that can look a bit dull, but wrapping paper can make a stylish drawer and cabinet liner to add some interest to your furniture. All you need to do is measure the drawers and shelves, cut the wrapping paper to size, and hold it in place with double-sided tape. If you don't have double-sided tape, a light layer of adhesive can also work. The best part? When the wrapping paper starts to feel a bit dull, you can easily replace it with a fresh design.

Just as with shelves and drawers, plant pots and containers also often come in plain colors. Using wrapping paper is a neat and simple way to add a bit of color to your indoor plants, especially during the festive or holiday season. And once the holiday season is gone, you can simply take the wrapping paper off. Or leave it on; it is totally up to you. Just make sure you wrap the pot, not the plant itself. Blocking light from reaching the leaves, even for a little while, can damage the plant.

Bows give gifts that polished, finished look, and most people purchase them from decoration stores. But you don't need to. All you need is some leftover wrapping paper and a few simple household tools, and you can easily make your own beautiful, custom paper bows at home. Start by tracing a circle on the wrapping paper and then cutting it out. Next, fold the circle, like a fan, and pinch the center. Finally, take a paper strip and glue it to the original piece, and there you have it, your own paper bow.

Handmade greeting cards are a lovely way to show people you care. It is personal, shows effort, and it is easier than you might think. Just gather some leftover wrapping paper, a few old plain cards, a glue stick, and a circle cutter, and you can do it at home. Start by trimming the blank cards to your preferred size. Then cut the wrapping paper into circles, arrange them, and glue them onto the card. Lastly, draw lines from the top to the circles, add bows, and just write your message on the inside.

Nothing derails gift wrapping faster than realizing you have run out of gift bags at the right time. Or maybe you are just trying to wrap an oddly shaped present that just won't fit. Thankfully, leftover wrapping paper can save the day. All you need is a pair of scissors, glue, ribbon, and a hole punch. Then just lay the wrapping paper flat, and fold and overlap its sides. Next, seal the edges, shape the base, and reinforce the bottom with card. Lastly, punch two holes, add ribbon handles, and there you have it.

If you are looking for trendy accent wall ideas to bring your home to life, framing the wrapping paper to create colorful wall art is definitely something you don't want to skip. And it is easy. Just grab an old picture frame, a pair of scissors, a bit of Scotch tape, and a piece of wrapping paper you love. Then just measure and cut wrapping paper to fit the frame, secure it to the mat or backing, place it inside the frame, and hang it as art decor somewhere inside your home.

Ask any kid, and they will tell you party hats are non-negotiable at birthdays. Unfortunately, buying them again and again adds up quickly, especially if you have a bunch of kids. That's where leftover wrapping paper can help. You can easily turn it into party hats. Just grab a pair of scissors, glue, a stapler, string, and some decorations. Then, cut a circle from the wrapping paper and fold it into a cone. Next, staple the overlapping edges, add decorations, and punch holes at the base to add a string for securing the hat.